Steve Blake is back contributing to Lakers' success

Steve Blake doesn't look for a pat on the back or seek out headlines. He certainly doesn't read newspapers, sports websites or Twitter to find out what others are saying about him. He just plays basketball.

"I just go out there and play my game and hope I'm contributing in some way," said the Lakers unassuming back-up point guard.

How about contributing in a big way?

Since Blake's return from a rib injury Feb. 9, the Lakers are 4-1, having beaten Boston, Toronto, Atlanta and Phoenix. Overall, the Lakers are 11-5 with him on the floor and 6-7 without him. He is "contributing" 5.3 points and 5.2 assists since his return.

“I'm happy to see Steve come back," said Matt Barnes. "He's just an all around point guard and he does a good job of getting everybody involved, and throwing the ball ahead and helping our team get easy buckets.”

That was evident in Friday's 111-99 victory against the Phoenix Suns when Blake got the second unit rolling to a 24-10 scoring spree in the second quarter that gave the Lakers a 10-point advantage.

"They make it easy on me," Blake said after Saturday's practice. "I wouldn't be anything without the way my teammates play. So I depend upon them a lot. ... it's nice being out there with them."

Coach Mike Brown still was trying to settle on a clear-cut second unit when Blake suffered a torn a fracture of the cartilage that connects the rib to the sternum Jan. 13 and missed the next 13 games. He said Blake has brought stability to the bench.

"The second unit is probably a better running unit than my first unit," Brown said. "So if we get some stops with the second unit, they have a better chance of getting out and running.... Barnes runs really well and (Andrew) Goudelock is still learning.

"Then you have a guy like Steve Blake who is quick with the basketball from one point on the floor to another point on the floor. So when he pushes the ball, it's a good thing."

Tell that to Blake and he simply shrugs his bony shoulders.

"With every practice and every game, we're starting to feel more comfortable with what our looks are and how we're supposed to play," he said. "So we continuously are getting better."

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